SEMMELWEIS UNIVERSITY

Transcription

1 TRADITION AND INNOVATION SERVAMUS VITAM ATQUE SERVIMUS SEMMELWEIS UNIVERSITY Budapest, Hungary

2 THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY Semmelweis University s history started in 1769 when Maria Theresa founded the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Nagyszombat which was established by Cardinal Péter Pázmány. This decision also meant the launch of organised medical education in Hungary. The establishment which moved to Pest and then Buda soon after its foundation was transformed into an independent medical school under the name of Medical University of Budapest in Within a few years the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy were established. The University took the name of Ignaz Semmelweis on the 200th anniversary of its foundation. The obstetrician, also known as the saviour of mothers for discovering the causes of puerperal (childbed) fever, was the director of the Department of Obstetrics for ten years. The conscious prevention of procedure-related infections was also introduced due to his efforts. The University has had a pioneer role in several other areas as well: among others, small pox vaccination was introduced here for the first time in the country, the University was among the first to undertake an operation with anaesthesia and the University established one of the world s first departments of pathology. The University s traditional educational activities in the fields of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry were further expanded in The training of healthcare professionals started with the establishment of the Faculty of Health Sciences while the youngest faculty of the University the Faculty of Health and Public Services was established with the participation of three university departments active in the borderline fields of natural and social sciences. The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences functioned as part of the University from with numerous bachelor s and master s programmes as well as a Doctoral School of Sport Sciences.

3 EDUCATION Semmelweis University occupies a unique place in the national higher education of medical and life sciences. The crucial role of the University is well demonstrated by the fact that approximately 70% of its dentists, 50% of its pharmacists, 42% of its doctors and 27% of its healthcare professionals are Semmelweis graduates. The aim of the country s oldest medical teaching institution is to provide students with the possibility to obtain up-to-date knowledge in a modern and inspirational environment using 21 st century solutions and taught by the most distinguished professors. The University prioritises the education of future generations and nurturing talents while professional advancement is promoted by numerous postgraduate programmes. Semmelweis University s School of Ph.D. Studies has a determinant role in Hungary s doctoral education. Education takes place in three languages: Hungarian, English and German. Semmelweis diplomas are recognised in the European Union and in many other countries around the world. Semmelweis University ranks among the top institutions in domestic university rankings and its international reputation is well reflected by the fact that students come here to study from over 70 countries around the world. The ratio of international students continually grows; currently it approximates 30%. Over 10,000 students study at the University s five faculties (Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Public Services, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy) while the number of applications exceeds the number of admitted by 3-5 times on average. The History of the University Education

4 SCIENCE AND RESEARCH All research at a biomedical institution serves the interests of the curing and the prevention of diseases; the laboratory results are applied at the sickbed; and the answers to the questions posed by clinicians are sought by research laboratories. This is the so-called translational medicine and this approach guides the R&D and innovation activities at Semmelweis University as well. It is a priority to rapidly integrate the newest technologies into the everyday medical practice. Realising the significance of the multidisciplinary approach, a number of research networks were recently formed at the University, (e.g. nano-medicine research network, nephrology and rare diseases network). The University s research strategy focuses on prevention, personalised medicine, oncology, neurology, life sciences, clinical immunology, genomics, regenerative medicine as well as cardiovascular, nephrological and rare diseases. New innovation trajectories include bionics as well as in vivo and in vitro molecular imaging. Semmelweis University closely cooperates with domestic and international partner universities, academic research centres and industrial partners in the framework of various research projects.

5 PATIENT CARE Semmelweis University comprises four main clinical campuses and with over 40 separate clinical departments it is one of Hungary s largest medical centres where patient care functions in close integration with education and research. The University s various departments treat almost 30,000 outpatients and 9,000 inpatients every month; therefore, the number of patients surpasses 2.5 million on a yearly basis. The University is a top healthcare provider in numerous fields; in other words it takes care of the most complicated cases and treats patients with the most critical conditions. Diagnoses are facilitated by scores of state-of-the-art instruments and certain procedures in numerous fields such as transplantation are only available here. The efforts in human-centred patient care and patient satisfaction are well signified by the fact that the University departments and its doctors repeatedly perform well in the various competitions ranking the best hospitals and doctors. Apart from patient care, Semmelweis University has a bulwark role in the prevention of diseases, promoting a preventive approach and assisting people to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Patient Care Science and Research

6 DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION Semmelweis University always strives to keep up with international trends, to make future technologies available and to create an inspirational environment in all three areas of activity. These objectives are well reflected in the University s latest innovations. Development and Innovation The new Skill and Simulation Centre opened in February 2013 aids practice oriented education where medical students can practice patient care on lifelike medical mannequins. The Korányi project one of the most outstanding healthcare improvements of the New Széchenyi Plan was realised in the Inner Clinical Campus creating not only an environment of European standards but making patient care more efficient as well. The University has consequently become one of the three main medical centres of Budapest. The Ophthalmology Department s full-scale renovation finished in 2013 created the field s most outstanding institution. Patient care is strengthened by among others 6 state-of-the-art operation rooms. Semmelweis University created the country s first biobank which not only collects biological samples but it is also capable of storing and processing a highly detailed clinical database. The Semmelweis Biobank Network was created as a result of research projects aiming to substantially transform healthcare through the application of preventive, predictive and personalised medicine. The University possesses state-of-the-art infrastructure in the Nanobiotechnology and In Vivo Imaging Centre promoting the field of molecular imaging and also supporting research efforts. Student Life Library

7 LIBRARY Semmelweis University s Central Library is not only the biggest but established in 1828 it is also the oldest medical library. Its doctor presidents included among others Ignaz Semmelweis himself. The over 260,000 volumes include many unique books and early manuscripts as well as the most modern printed medical literature. The Central Library provides access to over 5,000 scientific publications; it has 300 available reading places and 75 computers in 2 different locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the staff and students of Semmelweis University. STUDENT LIFE Semmelweis University is renowned for its bustling student life. The students can pursue numerous extracurricular activities; such as the Freshman Camp, various sport events, the Semmelweis Spring Festival and other cultural programmes. Thanks to the University s extensive international relations there are numerous exchange programmes available in Europe and worldwide. Many student groups function within the University; international students are represented by several groups. The Instructor Self-Active Group was established with the aim to provide assistance to first year students and it also organises a large variety of programmes. The Semmelweis University Students Union coordinates the work of the student unions of the various faculties.

8 MISSION STATEMENT AND FUTURE TRAJECTORIES As a medical university and an academic health centre, Semmelweis University strives to continuously live up to and retain its role as a market leader in Hungary and in Central Europe. Semmelweis University aims to tackle challenges in a constantly changing environment according to the following principles: It supports the inclusion of new educational methods into the everyday practice. Among others, Semmelweis University was the first to start the establishment of a unified e-learning system. It facilitates the rapid transfer of scientific achievements into the everyday practice of healthcare, thus ensuring that patients have access to the most modern technologies. Numerous internationally recognised patents are connected to Semmelweis University, such as the onkoknife or the virtual 3D microscope. The University maintains extensive international relations; it provides mobility programmes and therefore a chance to gain international experience to its students and staff members while at the same time it also strives to ensure them a successful future in Hungary. It plays an active role in disseminating knowledge, preventing diseases and strengthening the key approach of prevention which all affect the entire society. Contact: Semmelweis University Directorate of International Relations H-1085 Budapest, Üllõi út international@semmelweis-univ.hu Phone: